By Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
It all seemed familiar.
Waking up early, putting on clothes I didn’t mind getting filthy (just in case) and heading out to a location where hundreds of runners gathered to get down and dirty.
It was last Saturday, and I found myself at another mud run.
This time, it was the Blueberry Stomp Mud Run at Keel and Curley Winery (see our Photo Gallery) and I was taking it in as a spectator and photographer, instead of as a participant.
As some may remember, I tackled the Hog Wild Mud Run, in Dover, back in July. I was an avid runner in my high school days, but before Hog Wild, I never had experienced a mud run. Saturday brought back some memories — both good and bad.
First, I must say it was nice not having to worry about getting caked in mud and having to deal with rinsing off, keeping my car clean on the way home and then intensely showering back at my apartment (I had mud in places where it never should be).
Events such as these bring in some interesting people. Some come dressed in normal workout apparel, while others come dressed as superheroes, cartoon characters and other wacky get-ups.
Saturday, I saw a large man in a blond wig, a man dressed as Robin and a group of mostly females sporting mustaches. Some may find this odd at a 5K race, but as I found out on my own this summer, a mud run isn’t your typical 5K.
During my mud run, after having to wait in line to register, go back to my car to secure my valuables and still be late to my wave start time, I didn’t exactly have the chance to take in the atmosphere as a competitor.
It was a different story at the Blueberry Stomp Mud Run. I was able to take in most of the obstacles while keeping a safe distance.
There was one incident where I did get a little dirty. After asking the names of two women after a blueberry pit crawl, one of the ladies decided it would be funny to wipe the blueberry mess on my shirt and down my arm. I guess I had it coming for stopping them.
Mud runs are not necessarily about competing. Some of the people running Saturday were far from being distance runners, but that’s not what it’s about. Mud runs are simply about coming out and having a good time with friends and loved ones.
The one regret I have from my run was that I took it on alone. I’m completely open to doing more in the future, but hopefully, I can take some friends along this time. I’ll also have a better idea of what to expect.
If you haven’t ever survived a mud run, I highly suggest it. You don’t have to be a runner or even in good physical shape to participate. Multiple wave starts allow for different competition levels.
If you still don’t think you can handle a mud run, take one in as a spectator. It truly is a sight to see.